A new campaign titled “Women’s Stories – Women of the Countryside,” in which seven women share their personal stories, highlighting the role of women in Cyprus’s rural development, is being presented by the Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality to mark International Day of Women Farmers on October 15. The campaign aims to highlight the enduring contributions of rural women and to raise awareness of their role in Cyprus’s economic and social development.
A press release from the Commissioner’s Office states that the purpose of the “Women’s Stories” is to highlight female role models who inspire and encourage the younger generation of women to recognize their potential, to demand equal opportunities in all fields of activity, and to confidently chart their own course. It should be noted that, to date, campaigns have been launched dedicated to women working in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), shipping, and diplomacy.
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It should be added that the campaign launching today takes on particular significance, as 2026 has been proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Year of Women in Agriculture, recognizing the crucial role women play in agricultural production and highlighting the need to address the inequalities they continue to face.
As noted in the announcement, for many decades, rural women have worked tirelessly in the fields, on livestock farms, and in family businesses, while also shouldering a large part of the responsibility for household and family care. It is emphasized that, despite their substantial contribution, their work is neither adequately recognized nor equally reflected in the public image of agricultural activity. The campaign aims to help change this image by highlighting rural women not only as guardians of tradition, but also as producers, entrepreneurs, and drivers of knowledge, innovation, and development.
In this context, the campaign highlights the personal journeys of seven women active in the agricultural sector. Through their own narratives, the campaign sheds light on the daily challenges, the multiple roles, the difficulties, and the opportunities that rural life offers to women who work, create, and run businesses.
It should be noted that “their stories are not merely personal testimonies. They are part of the history of our communities and highlight women’s contribution to sustaining agricultural production, strengthening the local economy, and preserving cultural heritage and tradition.”
The initiative complements the actions of the National Strategy for Gender Equality in the chapter “Gender and Rural Development,” which aim to ensure women’s equal participation in the development and progress of rural and mountainous areas.
